About the discount, if you qualify for one... In the past, I've always bought my badge ahead and have emailed them specially about my circumstances. On day 0/1, you go into the Programming office to get your *special* panelist badge and any money that's to be refunded to you. Whether or not your circumstances are different or if this year is different, we don't know yet. But likely, there's at least 1 panel badge available per panel (available for the main host).